Daycare Cost: New York vs New Jersey (2026)
New Jersey infant center care runs $1700/month — $200/month less than New York's $1900/month. That's $2,400/year per child.
New York
$1900
infant/month
+$670 vs national avg
New Jersey
$1700
infant/month
+$470 vs national avg
New York vs New Jersey — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | New York | New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Infant — Center | $1,900/mo | $1,700/mo ✓ |
| Toddler — Center | $1,680/mo | $1,500/mo ✓ |
| Preschool — Center | $1,430/mo | $1,270/mo ✓ |
| School Age | $1,190/mo | $1,060/mo ✓ |
| Infant — Home | $1,550/mo | $1,350/mo ✓ |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $3,700/mo | $3,400/mo ✓ |
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Annual Cost Impact
For infant center-based care, New Jersey costs $20,400/year vs New York's $22,800/year.
Monthly savings
$200
Annual savings
$2,400
2-year infant care
$4,800
% difference
12%
Savings = New York cost minus New Jersey cost. Infant center-based care only.
Childcare Subsidy Comparison
New York (CCDF)
Income limit (family of 4): $8,200/mo
Max infant subsidy: $1,200/mo
Covers ~63% of average infant rate
New Jersey (CCDF)
Income limit (family of 4): $8,500/mo
Max infant subsidy: $1,200/mo
Covers ~71% of average infant rate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is daycare cheaper in New York or New Jersey?
New Jersey is cheaper for infant center-based care at $1700/month, vs. $1900/month in New York — a $200/month gap. New Jersey wins on 6 of 6 care categories.
How much can I save on daycare moving from New York to New Jersey?
Infant center-based care in New Jersey runs $200/month less than in New York. Over a typical two-year infant care period, that's $4,800 saved — not counting toddler or preschool years. Keep in mind that state averages hide metro-area variation: cities in New Jersey can cost as much as suburbs in New York.
How do both states compare to the national average?
The national average for infant center-based care is $1230/month. New York is $670 above the national average, and New Jersey is $470 above.
Do costs vary a lot within each state?
Yes — significantly. Major metro areas typically run 20–35% above the statewide average shown here. For example, San Francisco costs nearly double the California state average. Use the city comparison tool to compare specific metro areas.
Related Comparisons
See full cost breakdown: Daycare in New York · Daycare in New Jersey · All state comparisons · Compare cities